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Govt will act 'within Constitution' when legislating for X case

Enda Kenny said it is the intention of the Government that the legal basis on which new regulations will be introduced will be "entirely constitutional"

The Taoiseach has said that the Government will act within the Constitution in legislating for the X case.

Enda Kenny was responding to comments made by former Taoiseach John Bruton questioning whether such legislation would be Constitutional.

Speaking to reporters alongside the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, Mr Kenny said that everyone in the country is entitled to their opinion.

He said there is a process for determining constitutionality, but it is the intention of the Government that the legal basis on which new regulations will be introduced will be "entirely constitutional".

The heads of the Bill are currently being prepared, Mr Kenny said, but added that no legislation has been produced yet, and when it is, everyone will have an opportunity to give their view on it.

Elsewhere, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has said he disagrees with Mr Bruton's view that allowing a mother's suicide risk as a ground for abortion would not be in accord with the Constitution’s words.

Speaking in Cork, the Tánaiste said Mr Bruton was perfectly entitled to his views, but said he disagreed with him.

He said the Government has decided to draw up legislation, and that it will be within the terms of the Constitution.